Crowd Gathered to Protest Museum Board
The Board of the Oregon Coast Military Museum continues to make headlines as protestors on Saturday gathered at the Museum. The crowd grew quickly to about 30 individuals with several more coming and going during the protest. As of that morning it was known that at least two board members had stepped down. The Victim’s mother, Tina Ferkey and Tabitha Pittz. Board President, Gary Cannon was still on the board. Cannon is also the father of the accused and has said that he believes that Geoffrey Cannon should have his day in court before being forced to resign or be terminated. Protest Organizer Paul Brickey does not share that belief.
“What we’re asking for is for the board of the Oregon Coast Military Museum to step down and fire Geoffrey Cannon who has been indicted on four counts of sex abuse relating to a minor. The board’s actions after this was uncovered were absolutely disgusting, engaging in victim blaming and slut shaming of the minor victim. So that’s why we’re asking them to step down because a lot of the citizens consider it an extreme breach of any kind of professional and moral conduct.”
According to court records, evidence of the relationship appeared to have begun in August of 2024 while the victim was fifteen. Geoffrey Cannon is currently out on bond and wearing an ankle monitor. He awaits a court appearance in October.
EMAC Meeting
The City of Florence’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee meets Wednesday at 3 p.m. The agenda includes approval of minutes and public comment, followed by a presentation from Siuslaw Watershed Council executive director Tim Moffett at 3:20. Subcommittees report on tree and vegetation work and Recycling Modernization Act next steps. Old business covers the Black & White Event recap, an LCC grant proposal, the solid-waste rate review, and a Sept. 19 listening session with climate action protesters. Discussion items note a Sept. 17 Washed Ashore field trip, Bee City application details, a PSU microplastics letter to hotels, website updates, and Oregon House Bill 3365.
National Forests Land Could be in Jeopardy
Conservation groups are sounding the alarm over a proposal to roll back the federal Roadless Rule, which has protected nearly 60 million acres of national forest land since 2001, including 2 million in Oregon. Advocates say removing the rule would open pristine areas to commercial logging. Erik Fernandez of Oregon Wild called the move reckless, arguing it threatens wildlife habitat and recreation areas. Federal officials claim it would aid wildfire management, but research shows most fires start within a half mile of a road. Public comments on the proposal close September 19.
Mapleton Water District
The Mapleton Water District Board meets this week to review a supplemental budget, a $3,000 interfund loan, and sewer system matters including rates and contracts. The agenda also covers an asset management plan, street light fees, and project updates on Rice Road, intake improvements, and the sewer facilities plan, along with business and committee reports.
